Female Youth! Committed and Useful. Committed and Useful! For a Better Tomorrow. I bet if you will forget this slogan in a hurry especially for those who followed closely on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP campaigns in 2019 across the 31 local government areas in the state.
During the campaigns, young women adorned in purple T-shirts, white trousers or skirts were
conspicuously stationed around the podium of political campaigns.
These young women running into thousands were seen under the rain or sun, flagging off their purple scarfs and cheering speakers at different rallies in the state. A beautiful sight that added extra colour and radiance to every political event.
The cheers and excitement on the faces of these young women who posed with charisma and confidence while cheering known and unknown speaker was another great delight.
These unbothered women made up 60% if not 70% of the population at every political gathering.
In this interview, Progenitor and Coordinator of the group – Akwa Ibom Female Youth Association takes us on the journey on birthing the group and other plans in the sleeve.
Who is Lady Edna Edwin?
My name is Lady Edna Edwin Daniel and I’m from Nsit Ibom local government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
Why Female Youth. How did you come up with the idea?
In 2013, I formed the EKEMINI-IBAN Akwa Ibom women group to provide a forum for local women who lacked a supportive community.
With the support of 100 women per ward, we began monthly meetings and prayer sessions. I used my personal funds to offer interest-free loans, which proved successful.
In December 2015, I discovered that the governor distributed rice and money to youth annually, excluding the girls. Determined to change this, I promised that girls would participate the following year.
In December 2015, my cousin accidentally took my house key when he left my place. When I asked him to return it, he told me to meet him at Barracks road. However, when I arrived there, the place was blocked and chaotic. I discovered that the governor, Godswill Akpabio, had been giving out rice and money to the youth every December.
Realizing that girls were not partaking in this event, I made a promise to my cousin that the following year, in 2016, girls would participate.
What Approach Did you deploy to get the girls to join you?
True to my word, in Governor Udom Emmanuel’s first December as governor, I took the initiative and gathered over 100 girls aged 18-35 from Nsit Ibom.
I realized that these girls did not have a clear identity as female youth, so I named them the EKEMINI-IBAN Youth wing and we made our first outing which was our breaking point.
With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I continued to grow the group each month. The Holy Spirit also directed me to encourage the women in EKEMINI-IBAN to connect with their sisters who were married outside of Nsit Ibom and ask for their daughters’ involvement. This expanded our reach to different areas of Akwa Ibom State.
Within four months, on April 8th, 2016, I was able to establish the Akwa Ibom Female Youth Association.
Since then, I have been traveling across the 31 local government areas, receiving calls from different locations with groups of 50 or 20 girls. The journey has been guided by the Holy Spirit, who provides me with the right words and actions at every step.
What Was your First Outing like? Were you given the kind of reception the male were already enjoying or sidelined?
During that time, I embarked on this journey alone, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit. I needed to fully understand and establish my purpose. I didn’t want to rush things, knowing the importance of patience and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide me.
I approached the Special Assistant to the Governor and shared my dream, seeking his support. He encouraged me and acknowledged the beauty of the idea.
The following December, true to my promise, I led 1,000 girls dressed in purple and white to CKS. The sight of a large gathering of uniformed girls caught everyone’s attention.
The Holy Spirit gave me a special handkerchief, which we called a mantle, that enhanced our presence. We entered the venue and found no seats available, so we moved to the podium, which became our designated spot.
When the governor arrived, we shook our mantles, and he was impressed by our appearance. He called for me, and that day we received recognition and support.
We left with 300 bags of rice and a donation of 2 million naira. The victory and recognition motivated the girls more than the money itself.
From that point on, the governor began inviting us to various events, recognizing us as the Female Youth group. We added color and vibrancy to every occasion we attended.
This breakthrough marked the successful beginning of our journey, and we became well-known throughout Akwa Ibom. We continued to receive invitations from the governor, and our presence became a regular feature at events.
At the Point you visited the SA on Youth Matters then, was the name still EKEMINI-IBAN YOUTH WING or you had changed it to Akwa Ibom Female Youth?
At the point of visiting the SA on Youth Matters, the name had already been changed from EKEMINI-IBAN Youth Wing to Akwa Ibom Female Youth Association. The inauguration took place on April 8th, 2016, with the presence of the SA and other officials.
On 8th April, 2016 we had our inauguration which was held at the small field beside New Birth road, by Four lanes (Edet Akpan Avenue), before I took the necessary steps to register the association with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and today it is officially recognized as an NGO.
To ensure effective communication and leadership, I appointed supervisors as overall leaders for each local government, ward coordinators, village protocols, and unit commanders. This structure allowed for smooth dissemination of information throughout the grassroots.
There’s this thing about people in Akwa Ibom state particularly those who establish socio-political groups. You see people choosing colours that represent the state, like orange, green and white… so why did you settle for purple and white. Something out of the normal colours in the state?
Regarding the choice of purple and white as our colors, it was inspired by the Holy Spirit.
The guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit have been instrumental in everything I do, including the choice of colors and the successful coordination of large groups of girls without any conflicts or issues.
The Holy Spirit is the source of my strength and enables me to accomplish these tasks flawlessly.
Let’s delve a bit into your first outing, when you arrived at CKS, was there any challenge from the security apparatus of the governor to bully you. You shouldn’t be here, you’re not recognized. How was it?
Upon arriving at CKS, there were challenges from some members of the security apparatus who were not welcoming or supportive of our presence. They believed that girls should be at home, taking care of household chores. However, amidst the difficulties, there were also supportive individuals who understood and stood up for us.
I have encountered resistance and bullying, but I firmly believe that nothing worthwhile comes easy. We, as women, need to break through barriers and overcome challenges.
Despite facing opposition, I have seen positive changes in some individuals’ attitudes over time. We are gradually working on changing the mindset that girls should only stay at home.
There have been instances of pushing and bullying, but God always places someone who comes to our aid and protects us. However, self-determination is essential.
Girls must be determined to pursue their goals, despite the pressures and temptations they may encounter along the way.
I caution against a quest for power that could lead to compromising situations. Immediate results should not be the primary focus. Building a solid foundation takes time and dedication. It’s important to commit oneself fully to the cause and not be swayed by immediate gain or popularity.
I have set rules and regulations for my group. For example, giving out phone numbers or engaging in certain behaviors is strictly prohibited.
Chewing gum is also discouraged, as it can lead to embarrassing situations. We aim to change the perception that women gathering together automatically implies prostitution.
Responsible men who are genuinely interested in women will take the time to get to know them and their backgrounds. Trustworthy men will seek to understand a woman’s living situation and make the effort to visit her at home.
My ultimate goal is to see the girls in my group grow into responsible and happily married individuals. I enforce rules to ensure their safety and promote a positive image.
Still on the challenges, you’ve built this group to this formidable stage now, there should probably be some or a group eyeing to overtake the structure from you or something close to that. Don’t you have such challenges and how have you been able to overcome that?
I don’t want to focus on challenges from groups that may attempt to overtake or copy my structure. If there are such challenges, I believe that the presence of the Holy Spirit is with me. When God is involved, no one can stop His work.
My group is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and I have the necessary certificates and trademark. If others try to use my name, I choose to show them love by ignoring their actions. They may take the name, but the vision and purpose remain with me.
I am too focused and busy with what I am doing to be distracted by such matters. If anyone comes across such individuals, they can share the message that Lady Edna loves them.
What Sustainability Plan Do you have on ground to ensure the Akwa Ibom Female Association doesn’t go extinct like other socio-political (seasonal) groups we’ve seen in the State?
The Holy Spirit has played a significant role in guiding and inspiring me. Every day, I receive divine ideas from the Holy Spirit that I diligently write down and implement. These ideas become unique styles and approaches that others may be tempted to copy.
The Holy Spirit also led me to establish a group called Future Female Youth, where I groom and mentor children from the age of six. As they grow older, at the age of 18, they transition into becoming Female Youth and continue to be part of the program. This lifetime program ensures that they are led to Christ, taught what is right, and supported in their personal growth.
As they reach the age of 35-40, they then become part of EKEMINI-IBAN. This program is designed to span a lifetime, with an EKEMINI-IBAN Elders Forum for those who grow older. Even if a member gets married in a different local government area, they join the EKEMINI-IBAN group in that specific area.
I am focused on building this empire and dedicating my resources to its growth. Although currently EKEMINI-IBAN is only present in Nsit Ibom LGA, I believe that in the coming years, it will naturally spread to other areas, as we already have female youth in all 31 local government areas.
The Holy Spirit continues to guide and inspire us, and I am confident that the future of EKEMINI-IBAN and its expansion will be remarkable.
What roles do the EKEMINI-IBAN play in this association?
I initiated EKEMINI-IBAN to provide a platform for women to share their stories and support one another. Many of these women have faced lifelong poverty and hardship.
For example, in Nsit Ibom LGA, women who engage in palm fruit processing often face exploitation, as the owners of the palm fruits take the oil, leaving the women with only the kernels.
To empower these women, I provide them with financial support. I give each woman 10,000 naira, allowing them to purchase palm fruits for themselves.
By owning the oil and kernels, they gain a sense of ownership and satisfaction in their work. Additionally, I offer soft loans without interest, enabling them to invest in their businesses or other needs.
READ ALSO: Gov Udom Awards Scholarship to 100 A’Ibom Youth
This initiative has been in place for eight years, as EKEMINI-IBAN celebrated its eighth anniversary in December last year. Through these efforts, we strive to uplift and empower women who have endured challenging circumstances.
How do you monitor the progress of these women?
I maintain oversight of the women’s progress through the leaders within the organization. These leaders provide feedback on the women’s performance and identify those who are hardworking and deserving of financial assistance.
For instance, a woman who sells akara (bean cakes) may require a small boost to purchase necessary ingredients. Once she receives the loan, she can operate her business independently, gradually repaying the loan from her earnings.
These women have proven to be reliable and honest, consistently refunding the loans on time. In some cases, the loans are even forgiven as a gesture of encouragement and support.
I have invested over a million naira in EKEMINI-IBAN to facilitate this process, and the money circulates within the group as the women trust and support one another.
The success of these initiatives is attributed to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is essential to start projects with the right foundation, and every member of EKEMINI-IBAN is brought to me by the leading of the Holy Spirit.
What are the criteria for membership in Akwa Ibom Female Youth Association?
I specifically seek out girls who may consider themselves nobodies or may lack confidence and self-esteem.
These are girls who may not even know their own names, are poorly dressed, and lack basic knowledge of personal care items like roll-on.
I target these girls from rural areas and bring them into the program, where we clean them up, teach them about womanhood, and lead them to Christ.
To be eligible, they must be at least 18 years old and be daughters of Akwa Ibom. Currently, I focus on girls from my state and have not extended the program to girls from other states yet.
However, I have started similar groups in Cross River and Rivers States, specifically for Akwa Ibom daughters residing in those states. The goal is to reach out to Akwa Ibom daughters everywhere and let them know that there is a place for them in their home state.
In Cross River State, I have connected with many girls whose parents went there as housemaids, grew up there, and married within the state.
During the 2019 elections, I brought in 500 of them to Akwa Ibom, where they registered and obtained their Permanent Voters Card (PVC).
This was made possible through the network of girls who gained admission to study at UNICAL and helped gather their sisters for the program.
The purpose is to groom these girls into confident individuals who understand their worth and potential. By empowering them, we create a platform for their personal growth and development.
What disciplinary Measures do you have on ground to checkmate the girls conformity to the organization’s principles?
Within the Female Youth group, there are girls who come from well-groomed backgrounds and have a strong understanding of their environment and family dynamics.
These girls are more likely to thrive in the program as they recognize the importance of conducting themselves appropriately.
However, there are also girls who struggle to adapt and may exhibit problematic behavior. In such cases, I may choose to send them away in order to maintain a positive and supportive environment for others.
For those who are willing to change, I provide guidance and mentorship. I connect them with other female youths who have successfully transformed their lives, offering them positive role models.
Additionally, I recognize the significance of education and sponsor the academic training of girls who show genuine need and potential.
I personally invest my own resources into this endeavor, as external sources often come with conditions that could negatively impact the girls’ future.
While some assistance has been received from external sources, the majority of funding for these initiatives comes from my own efforts.
It is through the grace of God and the support of His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel, that I have been able to sustain this organization and continue making a positive impact in the lives of these young girls.
Do you have partners or you’re operating solely on your own?
While external financial assistance is currently lacking, I have faith that God will provide and I am actively seeking opportunities for support.
In Akwa Ibom State, politics tends to overshadow everything, but I refuse to let this vision be politicized. It is driven by passion and goes beyond politics.
I believe that politics is temporary, and what truly matters is the long-term impact we make in the lives of these young girls.
I have recently graduated a batch of girls and have recruited new ones. My goal is to empower and uplift them before the next elections, as I don’t want them to be left in the same situation they faced during the previous elections.
Age is not always kind to them, and I want to ensure they can benefit from the efforts they have put in.
While I am not a political group, I do encourage my members to actively participate in the political process by obtaining voter’s cards.
This is one of the criteria for joining the group. By having a significant number of members, we can collectively choose the leaders we want and make a meaningful impact.
What if your benefactor presents someone whom under your assessment cannot interpret the vision of such office, will you be bold to reject such person?
Absolutely, I would have the boldness to reject a candidate who does not align with the vision and values of the office. It is essential to maintain the integrity and purpose of the organization.
Even if someone is presented by a benefactor, I would respectfully convey my assessment and explain why I believe they may not be able to interpret and fulfill the vision effectively.
The appointments I have received from the governor are not solely based on entitlement but rather as a recognition of my hard work and dedication.
Therefore, it is my responsibility to speak the truth and ensure that the right individuals are chosen for leadership positions.
Ultimately, the selection of leaders should be guided by the Holy Spirit. We rely on prayer and seek divine guidance to choose the right person who can serve not only our association but also the entire community of Akwa Ibom.
We are not a political group but an association driven by a shared vision. If someone seeks our support and presents their manifesto, we will prayerfully consider it and trust that God will lead us to support the individual who is best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
Can you please offer more insights into the training you’re doing for the girls
and why you decided to set up a training academy after the election?
The training academy was established as a response to the challenges faced by young girls in finding employment opportunities and the need to provide them with practical skills for self-sustainability.
I am particularly motivated by the tragic incident involving Iniubong, which highlights the urgency to create avenues for these girls to gain skills and secure livelihoods.
Many of these girls come from underprivileged backgrounds and lack connections or resources to secure white-collar jobs.
The academy aims to empower these young girls by offering training in various vocational skills such as fashion designing, hairdressing, and other agricultural ventures.
The criteria for enrollment are simple: being a female youth and a registered member of the association. The academy does not discriminate based on socioeconomic status or connections, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
The goal is to equip them with skills that will enable them to become self-reliant and break the cycle of poverty.
Currently, the facility is limited in capacity, but I envision expanding to accommodate the growing number of girls interested in joining.
My aim is to train a significant number of them, as reflected in the voting strength of the association. I encourage partnership and support from individuals and organizations to secure a larger and more suitable facility for the training academy.
One of the significant initiatives I have undertaken is to make the enrollment process and training free of charge. I understand the financial burden on the mothers and families, and I want to alleviate that by removing any form of fees or charges.
This decision is my personal sacrifice, and I believe that it will be blessed and protected by God. It allows even the poorest of the poor to access the opportunities provided by the training academy.
By training and empowering these young girls, I am hopeful that they will have a brighter future, gain financial independence, and contribute positively to society.
The academy is a place of hope and opportunity, offering practical skills and a pathway to a better life for these young women.
For the purpose of record, can you highlight some of the departments in the female youth academy?
The Female Youth Academy offers various departments to cater to the diverse interests and needs of the girls. Some of the departments include:
- Fashion and Designing: Providing training in fashion design and garment creation.
- Hair-making: Offering skills in wigging, hair treatment, and maintenance.
- ICT: Providing training in computer skills and information technology.
- Videography/Photography: Teaching the art of capturing and editing videos and photographs.
- Catering: Equipping girls with culinary skills and knowledge of food preparation.
- Cosmetology and Make-over: Teaching techniques in makeup application and beauty treatments.
- Business Class/Entrepreneurship Training: Providing guidance on starting and managing small businesses.
- Purple Brass (Entertainment): Offering a platform for musical performances and entertainment.
- Ushering: Training girls in event ushering and hospitality services.
- Housekeeping: Providing skills in cleaning and maintaining household environments.
Additionally, there are specialized roles within the Female Youth Academy, such as the Area Female Youth Managers responsible for grass cutting using lawn mowers, Female Youth Barbers trained in haircutting, and hostel management for girls from distant LGAs.
The academy aims to create a conducive learning environment for the girls and has a free hostel facility available for those coming from remote areas.
Strict rules and regulations are enforced to ensure discipline and accountability, with parents required to sign a guarantor’s form for their daughters to stay in the hostel.
Despite limitations in space and facilities, the academy operates in shifts to accommodate all the girls. The focus is on providing practical skills that will empower the girls and give them opportunities for personal and professional growth.
It is through the Female Youth Academy that the vision of uplifting and supporting young girls in Akwa Ibom State is being realized, providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to pursue successful futures.
Judging from your speech, you’ve reeled out a lot of programmes you are doing for the girls and also open up on the limitations of expansion. Having this in mind, if you had options of being given bigger spaces, what other ideas would you infuse into the academy?
Amazing! If I have a bigger space, what I will do would beat the imagination of human beings.
What the Holy Spirit has deposited inside of me, no man has it.
The FEMALE YOUTH ACADEMY is registered under the FEMALE YOUTH ASSOCIATION and we’re working out modalities to ensure it comes a full institution where the female youth will become teachers.
In no time, the young girls will grow to become 18years and be fully absolved into the association which will serve as an umbrella where girls come in and find shelter.
What is your advice for highly placed Akwa Ibomites and politicians who hardly support the girls unlike the male counterpart who receive monthly stipend from government and politicians?
My advice to highly placed Akwa Ibomites and politicians who hardly support girls compared to their male counterparts is to change their mindset and allow the Holy Spirit to guide their actions.
They should be open to hearing people’s ideas and providing access to those who seek it, instead of creating barriers and inaccessible environments.
It is disheartening to see armed policemen scaring people away from these influential individuals, preventing young individuals from sharing their ideas.
These politicians should understand that they were elected by the people and owe them a duty to listen and serve their needs.
The power of the vote should not be underestimated, and it is essential for the masses to have the opportunity to elect their leaders based on their reasons and preferences.
Personal experiences have shown me the impact of supporting young girls and women. Even as a nobody, I was able to make a difference in their lives.
If given a position of power, I would strive to help even more. It is crucial for politicians to recognize the potential and voting strength of these girls and provide them with opportunities.
Transparency and fairness in the political process are crucial. The incident where my name was dropped from the candidate list without any explanation sent a message to the thousands of people who supported me.
The party should have been accountable and provided an explanation for the decision. Allowing candidates to face the electorate is important for democracy, as incumbents should be willing to defend their records.
Supporters should also hold politicians accountable. Recording campaign activities and reminding them of their promises can help ensure they stay true to their word. It is important for both politicians and supporters to have a conscience and act with integrity.
In conclusion, politicians should prioritize supporting those who elected them into office, and voters should be discerning in choosing their representatives.
The youth should not allow themselves to be used by politicians and must demand accountability. The support and empowerment of girls and women should be a priority for everyone, and those who fail to support them should not be given another chance. By working together, we can create positive change in our communities.